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LSP launches its Strategic Plan 2003-2005 |
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A new milestone in the development of sport and physical recreation in Laois was reached last Thursday (March 6th) with the launch of the Laois Sports Partnership’s Strategic Plan 2003 – 2005 in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise. Launching the plan to over 180 attendees from numerous clubs, schools and groups, Board Chairman Martin Cashen began by reflecting on his own introduction to sport and asked those present to remember the great strides Laois has made in the provision of opportunities and facilities. Mr. Cashen introduced Mr. John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council who outlined the importance of going through the long and sometimes difficult process which lead to the launch of the Strategic Plan. With this framework for development Laois Sports Partnership can successfully achieve its ambitious objectives, he continued. Mr. Treacy acknowledged that Laois was a leader in Ireland in local sports development and that the current structure (of Local Sports Partnerships) which the Irish Sports Council is now supporting was based on the version in place in Laois since 1995. Mr. Cashen then introduced the other members of the Board of the Laois Sports Partnership to the audience and invited Mr. Pat O Keeffe, Principal of St. Francis’ School, Portlaoise to say a few words. Mr. O Keeffe stressed that sport was very much for the ordinary person and not simply “sports stars”. To go hillwalking, swimming, dancing, to play a few holes of golf or to cycle to work are all physical activities. He continued that Laois has 238 clubs providing for 42 different sporting activities from adventure/outdoor to yoga. In addition there are over 300 sports facilities in the county which isn’t bad for a population of under 60,000. Mr. O Keeffe concluded by saying that “no greater investment can be made by society than that which ensures that its youth has an opportunity to express itself in a healthy and vigorous manner” and he complemented the Board of Laois Sport Partnership for drawing up the plan and for coming up with the catchy phrase “un Laois-ing our potential” Thos Mc Dermott, Co-ordinator of the Sports Partnership then took the floor. He began by showing the audience a short video reel which included footage of Ann Keenan Buckley, the Laois GAA football league title in 1986, the Minor GAA All Ireland success in 1997, The Ladies GAA All Ireland title in 2001, Portlaoise Town’s FAI Cup win in 1991, Disabled athletes playing wheelchair rugby, the U16A Basketball team of Scoil Chroist Ri and the opening of the Portlaoise rugby grounds. Mr. Mc Dermott said that all these were instances where Laois people had participated successfully on an international, national or local stage and the goal was that the actions of the Sports Partnership (as laid out in the plan) could strengthen this. Mr. Mc Dermott then proceeded to briefly describe the individual actions that would be taking place over the period from 2003-2005. These were divided into the following areas; Junior Sport, Active Living, Training & Development, Facilities & Natural Resources and the Promotion of Sport & Physical Activity. The final act on the night was the launch of the Partnership’s new website www.laoissports.ie by Stephen Roche from Wolfhill who will represent Ireland on the Equestrian team at the upcoming Special Olympics. Mr. Mc Dermott went through the various sections on the site which include many innovative elements such as a weekly poll and a profile page on people involved in sport or physical activity. It is intended that www.laoissports.ie will be a source of information on clubs, events, training and grants as well as allowing the public to post messages or comments. The evening was concluded with a reception afterwards and all present agreed that this marked the start of a very positive future for the county in sporting and recreation terms. If you would like a copy of the Strategic Plan 2003-2005 or to learn more about the Laois Sports Partnership please contact Thos Mc Dermott or Caroline Feehan at 0502 71248, email:
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